New build $800-ish

[Zeroman]

Hi. Thanks for your time.

This is going to be my 3rd build (after my p4 2.8c, and amd athlon 754 3000+). I've done some looking and am in need of some opinions for my new build. I'm going to use this build for some gaming at high to max settings(i.e. Crysis, CoD4, etc.) and maybe some video editing in the near future. I'm sure to OC this system, and already OC'd my 2 systems, so i probably know what i'm doing . Here's my (planned) specs. (Also including future upgrades)

BTW, system noise is not an issue, i don't mind having 7+ fans spinning loudly, but overheating is.

CPU: Pentium Dual Core E2160 (future upgrade: Core 2 Quad Q6600 g0)

MB: ASUS Commando

Cooling: (Reuse: Coolermaster Hyper 212) (Future upgrade: Prometeia Mach II GT Phase Change Cooler) <-- yes, i will OC THAT much

RAM: no idea on brand DDR2-800 8gb <-- need help here

CASE: no need (reuse)

PSU: 550w HEC Winpower <-- served me well since my P4 build (Future upgrade: 1000w SILVERSTONE STRIDER) <-- overkill maybe, but better to be sure

GPU: (reuse: INNO3d 8800gt 512mb) (maybe future upgrade: ati series 4000?)

HDD: (reuse)

CD/DVD: (reuse)

Not including accessories (monitor, keyboard, speakers, OS), I'm aiming for around $700-800. Willing to splurge on more drives later on. I'm thinking of holding off SLI or CrossfireX. Any help would be useful. Thanks.

 

[Maroc]

CPU: Pentium Dual Core E2160

MB: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L

Cooling: Xigmatek HDT-S1283

Ram: 4gb of good quality ram (8gb is overkill, especially for this rig)

Case: Up to you

PSU: Keep your current if it's good, do not upgrade to a 1000W PSU that is extreme overkill seeing as half of that would suffice for your needs

GPU: Keep your current one, no need to upgrade

HDD: Reuse, if more storage is needed, purchase a 500GB Seagate 7200.11

CD/DVD: Reuse


Maroc.

 

[mihirkula]

^ Agreed.

Though you could get the E8400 instead of the E2160 since it still falls within your budget.

RAM = Crucial Ballastix/Corsair 4GB .... 8GB isn't worth it. If you're using XP, 2GB also is quite sufficient.

 

[Zeroman]

Thanks for the replies I'm not sure if i want to OC a E8x00 yet, and i'm still looking for other good OC'ing MB's. I should be getting Vista Ultimate 64-bit when I upgrade to a Q6600 g0 anyways But, is it worth getting Corsair Dominator DDR2-1066 4GB (2x2GB) or will DDR2-800 be enough? Thanks.

 

[mihirkula]

Why do you want to future upgrade to Q6600....you could buy it now itself ... ditto for E8400. E8400 is faster than E2160 ...if you overclock E2160 it performs close to E8400 at stock speed.... and an overclocked E8400 blows the competition to bits.

You won't notice any difference between DDR2 800 and 1066. Get the 1066 only if you're looking for huge overclocking. Otherwise 800.